#1 The Bezzera Aria PID is probably the sweet spot. Not dual boiler, but has the rotary pump and is plumbable. #2 WDT with toothpicks is a bad idea, you need much thinner needles to not dig holes in your puck and end up actually creating channels rather than just declumping. #3 Max tamping pressure is unimportant as long as its sufficient. Press as hard as you want, it stops compacting and pushes back when you're done anyway.
I use a champagne cork with surgical needles. Larger cork is easier to grip, and more room for more needles. 100% agree with tamping pressure. When it feels like you're done, you're done.
Thank you for the review! I just like to add: I read somewhere that NSF means it's restaurant-rated, which means it can be left powered on all day long.
Eureka also makes a single-dose version of that grinder, and it's outstanding. The place you're storing the tamper is actually where you place the portafilter for tamping. As soon as you pull a shot, the PID display becomes a shot timer. I made a WDT out of a champagne cork and some surgical needles. Works great, and an little easier to handle. And you said you can't pull a shot and steam milk at the same time... but you can. Since this is a "heat-exchanger" machine, it actually has that capability.
Hey chef. I just got this machine and realky love it. But I have two questions. Did you adjust the OPV or did you leave it at the factory setting of 12 bar? and When you finish pulling a shot, does the 3 way valve gently release the pressured watter into the tray or does it do it kind of violently? Thanks. Love your videos
Great video Brandon! a couple of notes and a question: 1. Which brand is your leveler? Can't find one. Yours is 58mm or 58.5mm? 2. Your WDT tool is brilliant! 3. Try pouring hot water and than espresso, it's a nice, clean version of Americano
You can level up that WDT tool by using thin paperclip pieces instead of toothpicks. That's how I started off before buying an actual WDT and it worked pretty well. The issue with the toothpicks is they're really too thick.
Nice video! Are you using the factory double shot basket? Isn't it supposed to be a 14gr basket? I have the same machine, and when I use 18gr I notice that the head shower screw touches the coffee in the basket, even when the coffee is tamped under the shower line in the basket. Do you experience the same issue? Thanks!
Beautiful review on all accounts. Focused, terse, and full of great info. I am wondering your thoughts on the steam lever vs a dial knob? The levers seem to work either on or off. I was wondering whether with a round knob valve, you could modulate the steam pressure?? Thanks again! Happy coffee making, and best wishes going forward!
I actually prefer the lever it just feels better and more consistent than a knob. But I know people that prefer turn the knob over lever because it just feels more comfortable to them
Thanks for this helpful review! I currently own the Bezzera Hobby V2 but am going to upgrade to a Bezzera Crema. It has, like the BZ13 a BZ grouphead in stead of an E61. May I ask which brand and where you found your bottomless portafilter? Does the original 10 and 20gr filters fit in it? Thanks a lot!
At 5:30 you are absolutely right about the plastic lid, it’s a cheap plastic, I think if you drop it, it will break. I have the mignon xl, and they used the same cheap plastic 😞
I am really interested in this machine. Do you still love it? Does it make solid espresso regardless of the numbers on paper? Finally, have you had any issues with the higher pressure over 10 bars on the quality of the espresso coming out? I have a Breville Barista Express I've used for 6 years now and am trying to decide on my next step :D
Well, you probably already know as the video is two years old but you're using your tamping cradle for storing your tools not tamping. That's the steel rectangular cradle with two cutouts and probably has rubber feet to prevent slippage when tamping. Also, use steel needles not toothpicks. Get a cork and stick some needles in it and you're good to go. Next, I would forget about buying from Barefoot Coffee. Are they still selling in 12 oz bags? Instead, go to Connoisseur Coffee in Redwood City right on Middlefied Road. I used to buy 1 pound single origin but switched to Palo Altan blend three years ago. Been buying from them for five years. I buy it in two pound bags for about $30 and as I'm an Americano drinker exclusively, the blend is just perfect. They have both single origin coffees and a variety of blends that are all roasted on the premises. I've been using a Decent Espresso machine for over four years and it has a variety of lever profiles available for me to use. Fantastic machine and a first class company.
Considering buying this to replace my Gaggia Classic Pro... with 4 more months under your belt, do you still recommend the BZ13? Thanks, and great content.
Not sure about Chef, but I upgraded from a Gaggia Classic to the BZ13 about a year ago, and couldn’t recommend it more. I’ve paired it with a Eureka Specialita, and the quality of my shots beats every cafe in my town, except 1. But they’re on an Arduino Black Eagle, so I can accept it 😂
The lid on that grinder looks really clumsy to get on and off. May I suggest that you fashion some sort of ring or handle, carefully attach it with clear silicone, hot glue or other appropriate adhesive rather than have to lift by the cover's narrow perimeter. If you're clever as I think you are you could make a really attractive and functional cover handle. The grinder company should have paid more attention to that detail and possibly made the plastic that you grab onto wider. A minor but significant oversight IMO.
thanks for the really good video! im thinking about upgrading to this machine (from quickmill 0820), because i like the features, the size, the looks of it. only thing holding me back is that (i think) you can't install a flow control on this one, because the e61 is not exposed as on other machines, and im not sure that I don't want to not try that in the future haha
Thanks for this video! Not a lot on the BZ13 out there. I’d ask this - I’m torn between getting this, or an entry level machine like the Bezzera Hobby. I already know that I love espresso - do you think it’s worth jumping to a nicer machine like this, or are there solid reasons to start with a simpler machine? (Besides cost lol).
Well it depends, you can definitely pull a nice shot with that machine for sure. Also paired with a good grinder it would work fine but I guess the real question is what are you currently using? Because if it’s something similar like a breville, than the hobby machine would be a lateral move. I honestly am so happy with my machine and also so happy I did not spend 3k+ on the double boiler(I drink espresso straight) instead I chose this machine and focused on getting a good grinder, tamp, leveler etc . even with 1000$ budget I would still spend 40% of that for the grinder. A lot of people just focus on the espresso machine. I would argue that the grinder is equally as important. So point is don’t spend 1500$ on BZ13 and grind your beans with $30 grinder. Instead focus on a package that works for you and your budget and countertop space
This model is on my short list... But the lack of pre-infusion has me thinking either Lelit Elizabeth or Ascaso Steel Duo. Minimal time to get to temp is important to me, and all 3 are sub 10 minutes.
Take a look at the Quick Mill Anita, you get a nicer fit and much better quality then the Lelit and for the same amount of money you get a nice E61 machine made in Italy from a very reputable company. I looked at lelit before I ended up with my Quick Mill but several people pointed out the fit and finish and the quality on some models aren't the greatest which if you plan to keep the machine for a while is important. You might not get the under 10 minute heat up time because it's a heat exchanger but honestly when I furdt purchased my first heat exchanger I thought that would be a downfall but I've learned to manage and that's nothing an appliance timer can't solve
@@jhomrich89 I find it interesting you'd recommend an E61 machine with a 30 min minimum (1 hour recommended) warm up time considering that I listed fast warm up as a primary characteristic.
I just put my BZ13 in the dishwasher and now I need to replace my dishwasher and my espresso machine, wife is furious because I have to dig the Keurig out of the garage and she is making me hand wash all the dishes.
#1 The Bezzera Aria PID is probably the sweet spot. Not dual boiler, but has the rotary pump and is plumbable. #2 WDT with toothpicks is a bad idea, you need much thinner needles to not dig holes in your puck and end up actually creating channels rather than just declumping. #3 Max tamping pressure is unimportant as long as its sufficient. Press as hard as you want, it stops compacting and pushes back when you're done anyway.
I use a champagne cork with surgical needles. Larger cork is easier to grip, and more room for more needles.
100% agree with tamping pressure. When it feels like you're done, you're done.
Thank you for the review! I just like to add: I read somewhere that NSF means it's restaurant-rated, which means it can be left powered on all day long.
I believe the housing is stainless steel, not chrome !
Eureka also makes a single-dose version of that grinder, and it's outstanding. The place you're storing the tamper is actually where you place the portafilter for tamping. As soon as you pull a shot, the PID display becomes a shot timer. I made a WDT out of a champagne cork and some surgical needles. Works great, and an little easier to handle. And you said you can't pull a shot and steam milk at the same time... but you can. Since this is a "heat-exchanger" machine, it actually has that capability.
Yeah, the zero is great.
Love how fast it warms up compared to the others
Hey chef. I just got this machine and realky love it. But I have two questions.
Did you adjust the OPV or did you leave it at the factory setting of 12 bar? and
When you finish pulling a shot, does the 3 way valve gently release the pressured watter into the tray or does it do it kind of violently?
Thanks.
Love your videos
Love this video. I have their Strega. You probably know this. But You can use that TAMP STATION to tamp. Not just hold the tamper.
Awesome video. I love the look and build of the machine. There aren't that many BZ 13 videos out there. Thanks.
Great video Brandon! a couple of notes and a question:
1. Which brand is your leveler? Can't find one. Yours is 58mm or 58.5mm?
2. Your WDT tool is brilliant!
3. Try pouring hot water and than espresso, it's a nice, clean version of Americano
I got the leveler from whole latte love, not sure the size but I can find out. Will do on the hot water that’s a great idea
Love mine!!! Nice video!
You can level up that WDT tool by using thin paperclip pieces instead of toothpicks. That's how I started off before buying an actual WDT and it worked pretty well. The issue with the toothpicks is they're really too thick.
you've got the cork handle just buy the 3D Nozzle Cleaners needles 0.4 mm for your WTD tool around $10 - $15 they work great :)
I have same scale and made the same distributor. Love this machine and doing my research I think I will be settling on this baby.
Nice video! Are you using the factory double shot basket? Isn't it supposed to be a 14gr basket? I have the same machine, and when I use 18gr I notice that the head shower screw touches the coffee in the basket, even when the coffee is tamped under the shower line in the basket. Do you experience the same issue? Thanks!
Nicely done. I think I'm going for the DE model. I like your style, chef!
Beautiful review on all accounts. Focused, terse, and full of great info.
I am wondering your thoughts on the steam lever vs a dial knob? The levers seem to work either on or off. I was wondering whether with a round knob valve, you could modulate the steam pressure??
Thanks again! Happy coffee making, and best wishes going forward!
I actually prefer the lever it just feels better and more consistent than a knob. But I know people that prefer turn the knob over lever because it just feels more comfortable to them
Amazing review, one question I have , this machine has preinfusion ? Thank you
Thanks for this helpful review! I currently own the Bezzera Hobby V2 but am going to upgrade to a Bezzera Crema. It has, like the BZ13 a BZ grouphead in stead of an E61. May I ask which brand and where you found your bottomless portafilter? Does the original 10 and 20gr filters fit in it?
Thanks a lot!
Unfortunately you didn’t show an extraction from start to finish. The OPV flushed and sprays violently .
At 5:30 you are absolutely right about the plastic lid, it’s a cheap plastic, I think if you drop it, it will break. I have the mignon xl, and they used the same cheap plastic 😞
I am really interested in this machine.
Do you still love it? Does it make solid espresso regardless of the numbers on paper?
Finally, have you had any issues with the higher pressure over 10 bars on the quality of the espresso coming out? I have a Breville Barista Express I've used for 6 years now and am trying to decide on my next step :D
how about using a puck screen to help keep the group head cleaner?
Which make and model of grinder do you use for this?
Also, how much did this cost?
What’s the pressure your getting on your machine?
Will this pull shot auto, or do we have to stop manually? Thank you
Well, you probably already know as the video is two years old but you're using your tamping cradle for storing your tools not tamping. That's the steel rectangular cradle with two cutouts and probably has rubber feet to prevent slippage when tamping. Also, use steel needles not toothpicks. Get a cork and stick some needles in it and you're good to go.
Next, I would forget about buying from Barefoot Coffee. Are they still selling in 12 oz bags? Instead, go to Connoisseur Coffee in Redwood City right on Middlefied Road. I used to buy 1 pound single origin but switched to Palo Altan blend three years ago. Been buying from them for five years. I buy it in two pound bags for about $30 and as I'm an Americano drinker exclusively, the blend is just perfect. They have both single origin coffees and a variety of blends that are all roasted on the premises.
I've been using a Decent Espresso machine for over four years and it has a variety of lever profiles available for me to use.
Fantastic machine and a first class company.
Considering buying this to replace my Gaggia Classic Pro... with 4 more months under your belt, do you still recommend the BZ13? Thanks, and great content.
Not sure about Chef, but I upgraded from a Gaggia Classic to the BZ13 about a year ago, and couldn’t recommend it more. I’ve paired it with a Eureka Specialita, and the quality of my shots beats every cafe in my town, except 1. But they’re on an Arduino Black Eagle, so I can accept it 😂
Esty has some really well priced WDT. They use accupuncture needles
I think the toothpicks are too thick. It’s creating holes rather than distributing. I would use needles or stripes of wire instead
The lid on that grinder looks really clumsy to get on and off. May I suggest that you fashion some sort of ring or handle, carefully attach it with clear silicone, hot glue or other appropriate adhesive rather than have to lift by the cover's narrow perimeter. If you're clever as I think you are you could make a really attractive and functional cover handle. The grinder company should have paid more attention to that detail and possibly made the plastic that you grab onto wider. A minor but significant oversight IMO.
thanks for the really good video! im thinking about upgrading to this machine (from quickmill 0820), because i like the features, the size, the looks of it. only thing holding me back is that (i think) you can't install a flow control on this one, because the e61 is not exposed as on other machines, and im not sure that I don't want to not try that in the future haha
This machine does not have an e61
group
Can I ask what number you have the grinder at? My sis are coming out to fast and no crema.
Hey! Great question, depends on your beans but I usually float around 0-1. For you I would recommend to go finer grind
chefauthorized"
i like this machine BZ13pm is rady for ,Pre-Infusion,????? sorry for my ingles gracias
Thanks for this video! Not a lot on the BZ13 out there. I’d ask this - I’m torn between getting this, or an entry level machine like the Bezzera Hobby. I already know that I love espresso - do you think it’s worth jumping to a nicer machine like this, or are there solid reasons to start with a simpler machine? (Besides cost lol).
Well it depends, you can definitely pull a nice shot with that machine for sure. Also paired with a good grinder it would work fine but I guess the real question is what are you currently using? Because if it’s something similar like a breville, than the hobby machine would be a lateral move.
I honestly am so happy with my machine and also so happy I did not spend 3k+ on the double boiler(I drink espresso straight) instead I chose this machine and focused on getting a good grinder, tamp, leveler etc .
even with 1000$ budget I would still spend 40% of that for the grinder. A lot of people just focus on the espresso machine. I would argue that the grinder is equally as important. So point is don’t spend 1500$ on BZ13 and grind your beans with $30 grinder. Instead focus on a package that works for you and your budget and countertop space
This model is on my short list... But the lack of pre-infusion has me thinking either Lelit Elizabeth or Ascaso Steel Duo.
Minimal time to get to temp is important to me, and all 3 are sub 10 minutes.
Take a look at the Quick Mill Anita, you get a nicer fit and much better quality then the Lelit and for the same amount of money you get a nice E61 machine made in Italy from a very reputable company. I looked at lelit before I ended up with my Quick Mill but several people pointed out the fit and finish and the quality on some models aren't the greatest which if you plan to keep the machine for a while is important. You might not get the under 10 minute heat up time because it's a heat exchanger but honestly when I furdt purchased my first heat exchanger I thought that would be a downfall but I've learned to manage and that's nothing an appliance timer can't solve
@@jhomrich89 I find it interesting you'd recommend an E61 machine with a 30 min minimum (1 hour recommended) warm up time considering that I listed fast warm up as a primary characteristic.
I just put my BZ13 in the dishwasher and now I need to replace my dishwasher and my espresso machine, wife is furious because I have to dig the Keurig out of the garage and she is making me hand wash all the dishes.
pre-infusion?
New bz has upgraded portafilter
7:15 tamp pressure makes almost no difference, it's official.
"you can put this in the dishwasher" 😬😳🤔
I think he means the drip tray, not the entire machine!
@@viggenguy4411 hahahaha certainly hope so 🤣
A wdt tool is less than $10 and comes with extra needles.
Bro, all those stuff look like NEVER USED BEFORE, just out of the box. Everything is extrreeeeeeeemmmly clean.. I think is just advertisement.
Using a scale to weigh your shot is silly.